Been a fixed blade guy the whole time.  I see a lot of fine choices for folding knives but seeking recommendations.  I will carry this around me for self defense and typically concealed.  A fun show is coming this weekend and looking to pick up one there.

ETA:  budget is $100 or less.  if that is not enough then I'm ok with raising my budget a little if you know its worth it.

Kershaw.

For everyday use, Benchmade Griptilian.

Never have done business with this vendor but as an example only:
Benchmade 556 Mini-Griptilian Knife $93.50

The link is a good value when you can find one in M390 for under a 100 bucks.

Spyderco Endura; well within your budget, long-time reputation, and an excellent folder.  Get the version with the Emerson Wave for extremely fast deployment from the pocket:



ROCK6

This and I will go further and say the Blur. You can get one in S30V for around $70 I believe. I have carried mine everyday for the past 4 years.

Thanks for the recommendations.  I will be getting my first folder very soon.

Spyderco is pretty good.  Easy open with one hand.  I like the Manix and Military models.  I also like Buck 110 knives but you need two hands to open them.  Buck is classic stuff.

Spyderco knives.

I rotate between a ZT350, Spyderco Manix 2 and now a Spyderco Para 2.  The size of all three works well for me.  You can get all three for around $100-$115 if you can find a good deal.

Seconding many in this thread. Kershaw makes super solid knives with a top tier warranty. Just be sure to select a knife with good steel like M390, S30V, S35VN, etc...

Spyderco makes great knives but the ones you want are around $130. The Delica and Endura can be had at your price point but both benefit greatly from upgrades that propel them to a higher price point.

The Benchmade Griptillian is also a solid knife, but again benefits from upgrades. See the 555-1 and 550-1. Benchmade as a brand also tends to cost more for the same quality as other knife makers. That said, I love their designs and own 4 BM's.

As with firearms, do a bit of research. If you need a knife that slices well, get a thinner blade. If you need something tough you will beat up, cut heavy cardboard with, occasionally ding the blade on, then get a thicker knife with tougher steel. If you are carrying everyday in an office, maybe get a slimmer and lighter knife, if you are carrying on a belt or as a first responder, get a heavy duty package.

Quoting for truth.

It's HANDS DOWN the best EDC option under 100 bones.

Or

While I still want a Matriarch....it's really not practical for anything other than leaving huge nasty gashes in flesh.

Great option, but don't "wave" it too often. The lock will peen and then pop loose and close on you. I ruined my endura this way, but it took several years. Reasonable for the cost of the knife.